After Moving In: First Things Every Calgary Home Buyer Should Do

Create a Digital Copy of All Your Documents for Your Home

Though you should always keep original documents, papers can easily get misplaced. However, if you use a storage solution (whether Cloud-Based or Local), you can always be sure that you will have a copy readily available. There are many apps on your phone such as 'Notes' on iOS and 'Google Drive' on Android that allow you to digitize documents using just your phone camera.

Here are a few examples of documents worth digitizing:

• Purchase Documents

• Condo Documents (if Applicable)

• Warranties

• Floor Plan

• Real Property Report

• Title Document

• Mortgage Docs

• Labels on Your Furnce. Water Heater/Softener, Humidifier, etc.

• Any & All Maintenance Invoices

Note: Exercise caution and always make sure that you secure your data storage.

Create Schedules for Your Regular Maintenance

Surprisingly overlooked and often neglected - simple home maintenance tasks help keep your home's value steady and ensure a lower likelihood of expensive repairs down the road.

Using an app such as Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or even a daily planner/calender can help ensure that you're maintaining your home appropriately.

Here is a rough guideline - but keep in mind, you should always follow manufacturer recommended specifications:

1. HVAC (Furnace, A/C, Humidifier)

   1. Clean Ducts Every 6 Months

   2. Replace furnace filter every 2 months

   3. Tune-up furnace + A/C Unit Once a Year

   4. Replace Humidifier Filter Every 2 Months

2. Turn off Outside Water Well-Before Freezing Temps Hit

3. Test Sump Pump at Least Once a Year

4. Use a Bright LED Light to Check Your Ceiling for Any Yellow Spots or Discoloration

5. Check Your Indoor Humidity Levels Before Winter. 

6. Set Reminders Before Winter Months to Buy Ice Melter.

7. Check outside structure once a year for any foundation cracks or missing siding, also, have your roof inspected if you can.

8. Check your basement 2x a year for water or cracks.

   1. If your basement is finished, check all baseboards for signs of water damage such as mould or inflation.

   2. If you have concrete on the floor, look for white calcium outlines.

9. Check sinks / plumbing fixtures at least once per year to ensure no leaks are occuring.

Check Your Warranties and Set Reminders

Look these over carefully, see what's covered and for how long after your purchase (if applicable) - even if you have a new home warranty.

1. Consider getting a home inspector in before the end of your home warranty period (remember: home warranties vary and in some cases have different aspects of your home covered for different lengths of time).

2. Check your Furnace & A/C unit warranties and put a reminder in to have it looked at before it expires.

Do these things from the beginning and life will be a lot easier - also, your home will thank you for it!

Here's hoping that this helps at least a few of you out there - and congratulations on buying your new home!